Definition
In a knee joint puncture, a hollow needle is inserted into the knee joint. More precisely, the needle pierces the joint capsule and is inserted into the hollow space of the joint. From there, either joint fluid can be aspirated or drugs can be injected into the joint. The aspirated fluid can be examined and provide indications of infection. Similarly, suction of the fluid can be performed in the case of a joint effusion to relieve symptoms.
Indications
Knee joint puncture can be performed either therapeutically or for diagnostic reasons. For diagnostic purposes, synovial fluid can be aspirated and then evaluated under a microscope, bacteriologically and immunologically, e.g. to detect infections or bleeding. In addition, the knee joint can be filled with contrast medium via a puncture to enable an MRI examination.
Therapeutically, the knee joint is punctured in order to introduce drugs such as anti-inflammatory steroids or local anesthetics. Another indication would be the aspiration of an effusion to relax the capsule and thus reduce pain. A bruise in the joint can also be removed in this way.
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- Knee joint effusion – How dangerous is it?
After an operation on the knee joint, such as cruciate ligament or meniscus surgery, an effusion may occur in the course of the operation. This is due to the tissue injury caused during the operation, which leads to an accumulation of fluid. This can manifest itself in the form of swelling pain or restricted movement in the joint.
If the effusion does not heal within an acceptable period of time through immobilization, cooling and elevation, the effusion can be relieved by means of knee joint puncture. The puncture after an accident often contains blood, which may indicate that ligaments have been injured or may have torn. If bones or cartilage were also injured in the accident, the joint fluid often contains fatty components in addition to blood. All in all, the damaged joint is subject to inflammatory changes after the accident, since immune cells migrate into the joint to heal the wound. This process also leads to joint effusion, which can manifest itself as swelling or restricted mobility.
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